Chapter 8, Rebirth is Difficult

The Emperor waved his hand and said, "Everyone, please rise and do your utmost to treat him. I wish to personally ask him some questions." After she finished speaking, Wan'er had already brought a chair for her to sit down and pulled me to stand beside the Empress Dowager.

After a moment, Yiping brought in a palace maid, who turned out to be that Yuan Yue. Yiping kept her in the room, using the pretext of calling all the palace maids who were currently tidying up to the outer chamber.

The prince responded with a busy acknowledgment before bending down to take his seat

During dinner, Wan'er came and said that the Empress Dowager had suddenly taken an interest and wanted us all to accompany her to watch the Hu people's singing and dancing, to enjoy the lively atmosphere

Li Longji lowered his head and smiled while drinking tea, which gave me the courage to take the opportunity to look at Li Chengqi. His expression was calm, yet there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. After glancing at me, he picked up the scroll again to read carefully. As I watched him, I couldn't help but recall the events in the dungeon. On that day of peril, he urged me to forget about the marriage decree. Now that everything has passed, would he still remember what he had said?

A few confessing captives, I tightly clutched the robe on my body, biting my lower lip firmly, controlling myself not to look around.

After a brief inquiry, the Emperor fell silent once more, and his expression gradually darkened.

His illness was still casually mentioned by Ping, who said it was something that had privately circulated within the medical bureau. At that time, I was suffering so severely that I could barely comprehend it, and the pain only intensified. Later, when Shen Qiu arrived, he did not mention a word about it; his pulse diagnosis and prescription were surprisingly quiet. I repeatedly stared at him, wanting to ask, but ultimately, I did not manage to utter a single word.

Aunt Huang Gu lightly uttered an "mm" and said: "Shen Qiu's medical skills are remarkable; let him invest more effort."

She shook her head and said, "Don't overthink it, quickly return to the palace"

The Emperor suddenly coughed twice and said to Shen Nanliao beside him, "I have been feeling an excess of internal heat these past few days." Shen Nanliao quickly replied, "Your Majesty need not worry too much. I have already instructed the Imperial Medical Bureau to prepare medicine, which will be delivered shortly. It will take just a few days to see results."

She hesitated for a moment before softly saying: "The people in the Eastern Palace have not visited the Inner Teaching Workshop for several days."

She cast a glance at me, her smile pale and feeble: "To this day, I still cannot forget every word on the edict; I can even clearly remember the feeling of holding the brush. Yet, I still have to accompany your imperial grandmother every day, smiling and scheming against everyone. " She paused for a moment and continued, "It has been nearly ten years in the blink of an eye, and aren't we living quite well? Come on, the Prince of Yongping has also arrived and is currently in the hall accompanying us.

After January bowed and withdrew, I sat there motionless for a long while

Yiping let out a soft exclamation, her face slightly flushed. After a moment of hesitation, she said: "The princess is unmarried, how could this servant dare to overstep?"

At that moment, Yiping happened to run back, and upon seeing Wan'er, she hurriedly bowed and stepped back a few paces to keep an eye on our surroundings. I saw Wan'er turn to leave and quickly grabbed her, saying: "Sister, tell me the truth, is something wrong in the Eastern Palace?" Wan'er turned her head back, looked at me intently, and said: "Yes. You must return to the palace immediately and do not inquire about anything related to the Eastern Palace."

I found myself momentarily at a loss for words, unable to respond, as I listened to her speak half to herself.

He leaned against the wall and quietly looked at me for a moment before saying, "Forget about the marriage proposal." My heart ached suddenly, yet I still smiled vaguely and replied, "Alright." He smiled slightly and asked, "Have the outsiders already confessed?" I nodded and remained silent.

The Emperor stepped forward two paces, bent down, and said: "Can you hear me speaking?"

Inside, it was not only cold, but a stench of decaying flesh also permeated the air. I suppressed the pangs of nausea and discomfort rising in my chest, following Wan'er’s footsteps as we walked along the darkened stone path. Surrounding us were clusters of shadows in the cells, all curled up motionless in the darkness, with only the faint rustling of grass breaking the silence.

There is indeed a worst-case scenario, but I dare not think of it, nor do I wish to think of it

She responded and went to call someone to tidy up, while I sat behind the table, my heart tightening with each passing moment, growing increasingly anxious. In fact, it was not a major issue; it was common for palace maids to skip their lessons in the inner teaching hall when various matters arose in the different palaces. However, when it involved the Eastern Palace, I felt particularly unsettled, and this time the feeling was even stronger

He sighed and embraced me in his arms

When I arrived, Li Chengqi and Li Longji were already in the pavilion, accompanied by several young Li princesses. Wan'er was reading the memorial on one side, while the Emperor listened with his eyes closed, occasionally adding a few remarks, and thus the approval was given.

In the dim light, there was a wooden bed, and Li Chengqi was leaning against the wall, quietly watching us. He was dressed in simple cotton clothing, which, although thin, was relatively clean. However, his fingers bore some slight wounds, from which the blood had been wiped away, leaving behind bright red marks.

Lai Junchen chuckled and said, "Miss, do not be anxious, add another piece of clothing, it is a bit cold below." After he finished speaking, without waiting for Wan'er to respond, he gave a glance to the person beside him, who promptly brought two thick cloaks for Wan'er and me. Wan'er did not say anything either, helped me put on the cloak, and only after she had tidied herself up did she glance at him again.

Upon arriving at the Changsheng Hall, it was indeed as Yidu had said, with only Doctor Shen and Wei Tuan'er present. However, Doctor Shen was not Shen Qiu, but rather his elder brother.

During dinner, Yi Ping was always absent-minded, occasionally dropping dishes on the table and sometimes knocking over the teacup. I reached out to steady the teacup and noticed the panic in her eyes, asking, "What is the matter?"

After she finished speaking, Wan'er did not dare to respond, and I felt even more despairing

I sat in silence for a while longer when Yiping softly asked if we should prepare dinner. It was only then that I came to my senses and nodded. Yiping seemed to remember something and hurriedly said, "The Longsheng Palace has sent some dishes; would the princess like to meet the person delivering them and give some rewards?" I turned to look at her and saw the flickering light in her eyes, so I nodded and said, "Let her come in."

Wan'er accompanied me in silence for a long time before she spoke softly: "This time I came out because the Emperor is afraid that Lai Junchen's torture and coercion will be too severe, so he asked me to go and see the truth of the matter. You only need to follow me inside, and I will find an opportunity for you to meet the Prince of Yongping."

Wan'er hurriedly bowed and said with a smile: "Wan'er congratulates Princess Yong'an and Prince Linzi." Following her, the palace maids and eunuchs who were serving on the side also hurriedly bowed and congratulated in unison

The maid behind me stepped forward to replace my cup with hot tea. I held the teacup in my hands, as if I had lost my heart, and all the laughter and joy, along with the warm spring sun, seemed to drift far away. The tea was scalding, and as it touched my tongue, it instantly numbed my senses. This was the first sign of feeling returning. I no longer cared about so much; I abruptly raised my head to look at him.

Shen Qiu stepped forward to take another look, quietly instructing the person beside him to prepare the medicine. As he stood up, he cast a fleeting glance at me, and the tense expression that had been on his face all night finally relaxed, accompanied by a faint smile

Since that banquet until today, it has been several dozen days since I last saw him, yet I never expected to meet him here. I gazed deeply at him, unable to look away. Wan'er released my hand and softly said, "There are no windows here, I will wait for you at the door, go ahead."

The chill from his fingers seeped into my hand, and I stared at him intently, fearing that any reaction from him would alert those guarding the palace gates outside. He also fixed his gaze on me; being as clever as he was, it seemed that with just this one sentence, he had understood everything. The warmth in his eyes faded, and in an instant, they were filled with despair and understanding.

I forced a smile as I looked at him, wanting to say some comforting words, but ultimately refrained, merely nodding lightly and saying: "Take care of yourself, Your Highness."

The man responded ambiguously, and the Emperor nodded, saying, "Since you are insightful and perceptive, I shall personally listen to what you have to say." The man remained quiet for a long time, seemingly enduring excruciating pain. After a while, he spoke a few words to the Emperor, his speech unclear and urgent. The Emperor listened in silence, his expression inscrutable.

"Longi," Li Chengqi's voice was slightly hoarse as he fixed his gaze on me and said, "Let her go"

I took a deep breath, nodded slightly, and my vision had become somewhat blurred

She bit her lip for a moment, shook her head, and avoided my gaze, saying, "It's nothing." I felt increasingly uneasy, grasped her wrist, and said, "You just went to the Inner Teaching Workshop this afternoon, and since you returned, you've been restless. What on earth is going on?"

The Emperor nodded and was about to speak again when Yidu suddenly entered, kneeling and saying: "Your Majesty, someone has arrived from the sky prison."

I glared at him for a moment

She busily bowed and saluted, but after rising, she stared at me intently, as if she had more to say. I looked at her and smiled, saying, "The hairpin you are wearing looks exquisite; was it bestowed by the Emperor?" She hurriedly replied, "It was a gift from Miss Shangguan." I said, "Come, step closer, let me have a look at it." She took a few steps forward and quietly pulled out a folded piece of paper from her sleeve, handing it to me.

I hurriedly bowed and followed the Empress Dowager out of the Hall of Longevity

The Emperor nodded, signaling me to take a seat. As I settled down, I noticed Li Longji looking at me with a smile, reminiscent of our first meeting years ago. I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief in my heart and smiled back at him. Regardless of whether he was pretending or had truly let go, since he was still a prince, it was best to accompany him every day, as that was the most appropriate course of action.

I did not speak

I held the heater and looked at her, hesitating for a moment before saying, "I don't want to go." Wan'er examined me closely and said, "It's been almost half a month, why haven't you improved?" I knew she was not referring to this illness, but to that matter. My heart sank, and I whispered, "I can't forget it. I've been holding back from asking you about it."

He turned around and quickly walked out of the palace gate, whispering a few words to the people outside, then left with his two younger brothers. When Yiping came in, I was still standing there foolishly, staring at the empty palace gate, not paying attention to anything Yiping said, until she exclaimed, and I realized that I had already slumped down to the ground.

The people in the hall could not help but become entranced, gradually losing their laughter and casual conversation

"Yongan," Princess Taiping suddenly turned her head and said to me amidst the deafening sound of drums and music, "You still look unwell; what did the imperial physician say?" I hurriedly set down my teacup and replied, "I am almost better, but he said I need to rest for another half month to completely dispel the lingering chill."

Wan'er nodded slightly and led me inside

Just because he is the eldest son, and he is the deposed crown prince, it is only natural for him to be regarded with suspicion. Is it wrong to be both cultured and skilled in martial arts? Is it wrong to be supported by the people? Is it wrong to have youthful loyalty? Is it wrong to conceal one's talents? Or was it a mistake from the moment of his birth? I quietly watched him, and after a long time, I finally averted my gaze and lowered my head

After the Emperor pondered for a moment, he said: "Wherever Di Renjie goes, the people are blessed. Wan'er, proceed to handle the approval as he requested immediately." Wan'er acknowledged and took up the red brush to issue the approval.

The Emperor stared at him for a moment, then sighed and said: "Just like Sun Simiao, it is what it is; talented individuals are bound to have some bad temper." She glanced at the person on the bed and said, "You just mentioned that everything depends on tomorrow morning, which means I have to wait for a whole night"

How could I be unaware of her thoughts? After a long silence, I managed to force a smile and said to her, "The Prince of Hengyang is not accompanying the carriage today." Seeing her dim expression, I paused for a moment before continuing, "After this year, I will send you to the Eastern Palace. It pains me to see you in the palace every day without being able to meet you."

After listening, Lai Junchen did not hesitate, leading us through several hidden paths and stopping in front of a stone chamber. He gestured for someone to open the door and then bowed, saying: "Miss, please, the Prince of Yongping is inside. If you need anything, just call out." Wan'er nodded and said: "Since the Emperor has instructed me to come and ask questions, I kindly request that you do not remain outside the door, so that it may not be difficult for both of us in the future."

Yidu bowed and stepped back, and the Emperor also stood up, saying to Wan'er: "Wan'er, follow me and Imperial Physician Shen to the Medical Bureau." After she finished speaking, she glanced at me and said: "Yongan, you should also follow me."

Wan'er nodded slightly, and after helping me into the carriage, she whispered, "In the past few days, there have been people secretly watching in each palace, and the Emperor will naturally know if you leave the palace. Remember my words, I brought you here to see the Prince of Linzi, and you must not speak of anything else." I nodded, having long lost the strength to speak.

After a long time, the Empress Dowager finally looked at the Crown Prince and said gently, "Is Chengqi's illness not yet resolved?" The Crown Prince quickly stood up and replied, "Although this illness came on suddenly and severely, it is no longer a major concern. I have instructed him to ensure that he arrives in Luoyang by tomorrow to pay his respects to the Empress Mother."

Yidu stood up and said, "Someone has risked their life to break into the heavenly prison, using a knife to carve out their heart to express their intentions, seeking to prove the innocence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince." Upon hearing this, the Emperor's expression changed slightly, and he asked, "Is it true that someone has done this? What has become of that person now?" Yidu hurriedly replied, "He has been sent by Your Majesty to oversee Lord Chen, who is with Lai Junchen, and Lord Chen has specifically sent someone to inquire whether this person should be saved or executed"

The seat beside him for the eldest son was empty, with only Li Chengyi and Li Longji accompanying him

"Who does the young lady wish to meet first?" Liu Junchen smiled slightly and said, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and several princes are inside; they have not been subjected to severe punishment. The prisoners in the front cell are a few confessing individuals from the Eastern Palace."

After that day, I continued to have a high fever that lasted for five days before I showed some improvement, but I immediately accompanied my maternal grandmother to Luoyang for a sacrificial ceremony. The Wanxiang Divine Palace had been completed for five years, and it was the first time my maternal grandmother decided to personally preside over the grand sacrificial ceremony, inviting the ministers and appointing my uncle Wu Chengsi as the secondary offering and Wu Sansi as the final offering, while the official crown prince Li Dan was left neglected to the side

After waiting for the Crown Prince to come out, Wan'er specifically instructed Lai Junchen to take us to see the Prince of Linzi. She and I did not enter; we merely glanced in as the stone door opened. The Prince of Linzi was lying on the bed, facing away from the stone door. Upon hearing the sound of the door, he seemed to move slightly but did not make a sound, remaining coldly silent with his back turned to the door.

The Empress Dowager suddenly stood up and said, "But is he awake?" Shen Qiu spoke to the person again, seemingly testing his awareness, and after a while said, "After I fed him a bowl of medicinal soup, he was able to regain consciousness for a moment. If Your Majesty has any questions, please ask quickly." After he finished speaking, the person beside him had already handed over a jade bowl. Shen Qiu took it and fed the person, and once everything was completed, he hurriedly bowed and withdrew from the bedside.

After the sacrificial ceremony, the Empress Dowager seemed to be in high spirits, frequently laughing and enjoying herself at the banquet, bestowing the congratulatory gifts from the visiting envoys upon my father and several uncles. I sat beside Princess Taiping, observing from a distance that the Crown Prince still appeared indifferent, only responding with a word or two when spoken to by those around him, as if the Empress Dowager's every action had nothing to do with him.

The Emperor called me again and said: "What? Are you dissatisfied with my grandson? Since you were able to risk your life to enter the sky prison to check on him, it shows that you have him in your thoughts. How could I not see that?"

Until the door was closed again, Lai Junchen cupped his hands from a distance and said, "Miss, you have worked hard, please."

Yiping responded with a sound and hurriedly ran away from the darkness. I stood against the wall on one side of the stone steps, striving to calm my thoughts. What else could there be? Now, it is already the worst of circumstances, confined to the Eastern Palace, unable even to mourn for my two deceased wives, and anyone I meet is at risk of being executed on the spot. At this point, what could be more humiliating and distressing than this?

Within the Taichu Palace, the Eastern Palace has long been designated as a forbidden area, accessible only upon summons from the Empress Dowager; no unauthorized individuals are permitted to approach.

I felt a pang of bitterness in my heart as I lifted the teacup, only to find myself locking eyes with Li Longji. His bright gaze held no trace of anger; he simply stared at me, causing me to feel flustered, and I hurriedly looked away.

Tai Ping also said a few words, to which I merely responded casually. After the banquet concluded, I returned to the Tai Chu Palace

That person seemed unable to speak any further, only groaning twice before falling into a coma

After dinner, I finally took out that piece of paper, opened it, and examined it closely under the candlelight in the curtain. The characters, long engraved in my bones, were written with great force, consisting of only sixteen short characters:

I felt my body stiffen for a moment, wanting to retreat but unable to move my feet. In front of me was him, while behind me loomed an endless darkness, and waves of fear surged within my heart. Without me uttering a single word, he could already guess everything, but why did he come to seek confirmation? He knew everything, so he should understand that I could not speak, not even half a word, as it could lead everyone down a path to death

The Empress Dowager waved away the dragon carriage and hurried along the way. I felt as if I had grasped a lifeline, with the sound of my increasingly rapid heartbeat filling my ears. Observing the Empress Dowager's expression now, she also appeared quite shocked. Since she had already ordered the treatment of that person and personally went to the Medical Bureau, it indicated that she was having doubts; she was beginning to question her own decision.

The clothing on his body was extremely thin, to the point that one could feel the varying depths of his wounds through the fabric. I must not cry out, for Lai Junchen is just outside the door; seeing my red eyes would surely lead him to report to the Emperor, adding insult to injury. The more I thought this way, the less I could hold back; I could only clench my fist tightly, my nails digging deep into my flesh, yet it had no effect whatsoever.

The personnel in the medical office were busy treating the patients in bed. Upon seeing the Emperor's arrival, they immediately knelt down.

She fell silent for a moment before saying: "The decree of abolition from the year of Xian was personally written by me; it was that very edict that pushed him onto the path of no return"

Shen Qiu respectfully said: "I have done my utmost; if this person truly has a sincere heart, he will naturally recover." The Emperor coldly looked at him and said: "Are you implying that if he survives, I have wronged the Crown Prince?" Shen Qiu remained neither humble nor arrogant and replied: "I am merely a court physician, concerned only with the health of those in the palace; as for other matters, I do not dare to comment recklessly."

After an unknown amount of time, he finally released his hand and coldly said, "The princess is very hot; please invite the imperial physician to take a look later." He gazed at me deeply and continued, "Given the circumstances, I can no longer ask my imperial aunt for a marriage proposal."

Li Longji raised his chin slightly. I looked at him in confusion, and he pointed to the teacup. It was only then that I realized and picked up the teacup on the table to take a sip, and it turned out to be osmanthus tea

Li Longji's hand suddenly clenched tightly, then slowly relaxed. He turned to look at Li Chengqi. Li Chengqi walked towards us from the palace gate, his lips pressed tightly together without uttering a word, until he reached in front of me, and then said: "You all go out." Although his words were directed at Li Longji, he only looked at me. I stared blankly at him, unable to evade or hide.

As I approached Wan'er’s residence, I suddenly stopped and said to Yiping: "Go and see if Wei Tuan'er is in the house"

I kept my eyes fixed on her; the more calmly she spoke, the more uneasy I felt

The palace maid was tidying up beside me, and as I listened to the sound of jade objects clinking, I felt my palms gradually grow cold. Unable to sit still any longer, I stood up, took the robe and cloak that Yiping handed to me, and immediately stepped out.

Since this sacrificial ceremony, the Empress Dowager will reside permanently in the Taichu Palace in Luoyang, and I will naturally no longer return to Chang'an. The novelty I felt when I first arrived in Luoyang a year ago has long since faded, and I can only sense that the Ming Palace is filled with lonely souls; moving to the Taichu Palace is a good choice.

Yidu glanced at the people in the hall, not daring to speak directly. The Emperor then said, "Speak honestly." I nervously stared at her, knowing that this matter must be related to the Crown Prince; otherwise, Yidu would never have dared to report it so rashly

After Yuan Yue greeted me, she smiled and said, "The Emperor, seeing the good dishes at dinner, pointed to a plate for the Princess." I nodded and replied, "Thank you for your trouble." After saying this, I signaled Yiping to give her the jade earrings.

There is no need for me to inform her; by tomorrow, this will be known to all in the Taichu Palace. The Empress Dowager's favoritism towards the Third Prince will not overly concern the various uncles, and in a certain sense, it will also soothe the old officials of the Li family in the court. It is likely that this will not only spread within the palace but will also become a topic of heated discussion in the court.

I took the paper, tucked it into my sleeve, and said with a smile, "Wan'er has always had a unique perspective; this is a good thing." I glanced at her and continued, "Go on, the Emperor is still waiting for your gratitude."

The words of my grand-aunt pierced like needles, each character deeply embedding itself in my heart. As I walked step by step, what she saw was my protection of Li Longji, my calculations regarding him, and my concerns for him, yet she remained unaware of the various circumstances behind it all. This seemingly sudden bestowal of marriage was a decision my grand-aunt had made long ago, a means to appease the Eastern Palace and the old ministers of the Li family after the conspiracy, using the favor of my third brother's marriage to suppress the crown prince's eldest son, along with all those reasons I could not even fathom

Seeing me in this state, she said no more, only glanced at Yiping and said, "You should go back. If anyone asks, do not mention where the princess has gone." After saying this, she took my hand and walked towards the palace gate. It was not until we had walked several dozen steps that I regained a bit of my composure and asked her, "Is he outside the palace?"

I hesitated for a moment, afraid to take a step, but was grasped by Wan'er, her grip causing my fingers to ache. I followed her inside step by step, as the stone door quietly closed behind us, accompanied only by the faint sound of it locking.

Two days, it has already been two days, having stayed at Liu Junchen's place for two days, one would be left with half a life even if not dead

I acknowledge it, I acknowledge it all, could this truly be our last meeting?

I met his gaze and smiled slightly

Suddenly, Shen Qiu spoke softly, but it was directed at the person on the bed

Uncertain how much time had passed, the Emperor finally turned his head to call for tea. Wan'er hurriedly presented the teacup. She took a sip and returned the cup to Wan'er, letting out a deep sigh, and said: "Wan'er, how is Dan still?" Wan'er quickly replied: "Lai Junchen has not imposed severe punishments, and the food is still relatively acceptable; on the surface, it seems to be fine."

The Emperor spoke in a deep voice, saying: "I fear that he will recognize me, yet I also fear that he will not. If he recognizes me, I will certainly not let him off lightly; if he does not, it means he does not regard me with any respect, and he remains obstinately ignorant."

I nodded, yet she never released my hand; I also held hers in return. Only when the carriage came to a stop did I softly ask, "Is there any room for negotiation in this matter?" She looked at me resolutely and replied in a low voice, "No, Liu Junchen has already submitted all the confessions to the Emperor. If there were even the slightest chance for negotiation, I would not have risked my life to bring you here."

The Emperor looked at me again and said, "Have you seen Longji?" I was taken aback for a moment before replying, "In response to Your Majesty, Yong'an has seen the Prince." The Emperor nodded and asked, "Did he say anything?" I hesitated for a moment before saying, "The Prince did not speak to anyone."

I was taken aback for a moment, but then I immediately understood. The person who took her through the palace's back roads, the one she spoke of with affection as the Prince of Yongping, the one who made her kneel in the Penglai Hall, disregarding life and death to plead for him, the one she could not forget even after many years, was Li Xian, a prince who ultimately met his end by being granted death under the charge of treason

The palace maids were busy preparing breakfast, and upon seeing me, they hurriedly bowed. As I looked at the front of the hall, I recalled that snowy night a year ago. In just one year, there had been several brushes with life and death. On that snowy night when he knelt before the hall, I thought it could not be more painful than that; yet, in hindsight, it was merely the lightest of punishments. After overcoming this tribulation, will the Empress Dowager truly no longer harbor any reservations?

I remained in a daze until, as she walked out of the prison, I saw Yidu waiting outside the door. Upon seeing me, she immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty summons the princess back to the palace." I looked at her in surprise, then exchanged a glance with Wan'er. She lightly nodded her head and asked Yidu, "Who else is in the Changsheng Hall?" Yidu quickly replied, "The Emperor is slightly unwell; only Wei Tuan'er and Physician Shen are present."

A candle is burning in the stone chamber, and there is untouched food placed on a simple wooden table

I listened to her words and knew that I could no longer delay. Lowering my head to wipe the corner of my eye, I stood up and said, "Your Highness, take care. I take my leave from Yong'an." After saying this, I clenched my teeth, resolutely stood up, and walked towards the door, no longer daring to look back even once.

I gazed blankly at my grand-aunt, unwilling to let the two words get stuck in my throat, yet unable to utter them. What could I say? That the only person I cared about was his elder brother, that I had already pledged my life to the Prince of Yongping, that even before I had met him, he had already occupied my heart? I could say nothing; to speak would only lead to death. To refuse would be to defy the imperial decree, but the consequences of defying it would not only affect my life, but also my father’s and his.

Are my mother and the virtuous consort still alive?" He lowered his voice, which sounded hoarse as if it had been polished.

It is indeed related to the Eastern Palace. I forced a smile and said, "Could it be that it was that cup of tea that spilled your heart to the people of the Eastern Palace?" Although I knew everything, it was the first time I mentioned this matter. She glanced at me in a panic, lowered her head for a long time, and then said, "Please forgive me, Your Highness." I looked at her seriously and said, "There is no need for forgiveness; I am just afraid that you cannot bear this heart."

I suddenly looked at Grandmother Huanggu, and after a brief moment of contemplation, she said to Shen Nanliao, "If it is a heart dissection, is there still a chance for salvation?" Shen Nanliao quickly replied, "If medical assistance is timely, it may be possible to save a life." The Emperor pondered for a moment longer, then stood up and said, "Since your brother is a disciple of the Medicine King, he should possess this ability." She then instructed Yidu, "Immediately send a message, it is imperative to save him."

Since arriving at the Taichu Palace, she has indeed become much more diligent. In the past, while in Chang'an, she often neglected her studies, but now she is more attentive than anyone else. With the Crown Prince and the other princes under house arrest, only a few palace maids are allowed to appear in the inner teaching hall. Perhaps even the occasional gossip about Li Chengyi's daily life can bring her some comfort

At this moment, the courtyard of the shrine has begun to play the drums and music. Looking out from within the hall, one can see nine hundred people densely standing in the courtyard, all dancing to the "Grand Music of the Shrine." The formation is magnificent, exuding a power that seems capable of swallowing mountains and rivers.

On a fine spring day, the Empress Dowager emerged from the Hall of Eternal Life, reviewing memorials in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden. The peonies were in full bloom, and the entire Imperial Garden was filled with the fragrance of myriad blossoms, as the bleakness of winter had completely dissipated.

"Grandmother Huanggu." I stepped forward to pay my respects

I froze in place, and after a long time, I slowly extended my hand and embraced him

After she finished speaking, she withdrew her hand and turned to leave. I wanted to grab her but was a step too slow, only feeling a slight numbness in my hand, rendering me unable to exert any strength

Seeing him like this reminded me of his bright eyes on ordinary days, and the heart that was already in unbearable pain was once again tugged at, as if I were witnessing the eyes of the De Fei before her execution. I could not bear to look any longer and took two steps back, leaving with Wan'er.

I hear it in my ears, yet I cannot take a step forward, only staring at him, not even daring to breathe

After this statement, Wan'er said nothing more. Until she led me out of the palace, she nodded to the guards who had been waiting outside the palace gate and then pulled me into the carriage. I sat inside the carriage, swaying with its motion, numbly staring at the dark street. It was already curfew, and apart from the desolate moonlight, there was no one else walking.

Still wearing a gentle smile, yet there was not a trace of mirth in the eyes, which carried a faint pain and determination. With just this glance, I could no longer avert my gaze, my eyes burning with a sharp pain, yet not a single tear was shed

He slowly extended his hand, tightly gripping my wrist: "Yongan." He only said these two words, and there were no further words.

Wan'er pondered for a moment and said, "I won't look at the guilty ones; it's too bloody, and I'm afraid of having nightmares." Her words were laced with blatant sarcasm, yet Lai Junchen still wore a smile and replied, "Rest assured, miss, those that you are allowed to see have all been tidied up."

At this thought, I could not help but wish to be there immediately, yet the road ahead seemed endless. My anxiety grew, but I dared not show any signs of it, only following the footsteps of my grandmother. By the time we reached the Medical Bureau, I was already drenched in sweat.

Wan'er glanced at me and said, "Let me tell you again, the servants in the Crown Prince's palace have already confessed and signed their statements. Whatever you do now will be in vain. I only want you to see him one last time. If the Emperor asks about your actions in the future, just say you wanted to see the Prince of Linzi. Do you understand?"

The Emperor smiled and turned to his side, saying: "Longji, rise and listen to the decree."

Shen Qiu, busy by the bedside, quickly got up to continue. I saw from a distance that the person on the bed was covered in blood, and the physician beside him was applying pressure to the wounds. Shen Qiu then raised a needle and pierced several places, taking the mulberry bark thread handed to him from behind, and began to suture the wounds. He pressed his lips tightly together, his expression more serious than ever, yet his blood-stained hands were remarkably gentle, carefully weaving through flesh and skin, gradually closing the wounds.

I had thought that my grand-aunt would say something significant, but she instead engaged in casual conversation about her childhood. I accompanied her in recounting many stories, mostly about how Mr. Xie had scolded me and the times I copied the Book of Songs by hand. My grand-aunt occasionally laughed out loud, but for the most part, she remained silent. After about half an hour, she waved her hand to signal that I could leave.

The Empress Dowager was so decisive, granting Di Renjie the opportunity to achieve political accomplishments, that on the day Di Renjie re-enters the court, he will not be far away

The words of the Empress Dowager have already confirmed that the Crown Prince harbors treasonous intentions. When Di Renjie was falsely accused of conspiracy, Prince Yongping was still able to advise him to confess in order to save his life, hoping to prove his innocence in the future. However, when it comes to the sons and grandsons of the Li family, confessing leads to death, and not confessing also results in death. A dignified prince, enjoying the honor of being above ten thousand yet below only one, is regarded as worthless in the eyes of his own mother, having long lost any chance of survival

By the time the eighth day of the new year arrived, my father had sent someone to deliver my birthday gifts, and it was then that I suddenly realized I had already turned thirteen

I looked at her and whispered, "What is your name?" We had known each other for over a year, yet I still did not know her name. She paused for a moment before quietly replying, "Your Highness, I am called Yuan Yue." After she finished speaking, she immediately bowed and withdrew.

Wan'er snorted and said: "Take me to see His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, as well as the Duke of Yongping"

Wan'er. I called her softly as I was busy.

She stopped, turned to look at me, and there was a rare hint of surprise in her eyes: "You came to find me?" I nodded, and she glanced around before quickly moving to this side of the wall. In the darkness, she stared at me for a long time and said, "What do you want with me? I am in a hurry to leave the palace." My heart sank, and I instinctively asked, "Is something wrong in the Eastern Palace?"

Wan'er smiled and said, "If you ask me, I'll tell you. But can things really get better just by listening?" As she spoke, she sat down next to me and said, "Forget it. Having a good memory isn't always a good thing." I glanced at her but didn't say anything.

The emperor listened to several memorials and then signaled Wan'er to stop. Suddenly, he looked at me with a smile and said, "Yong'an, come to me." I quickly got up and walked to the dragon couch. The emperor reached out and held my hand, saying, "You have been in the palace for four years. I have been thinking about your marriage and have always wanted to choose a good husband from several imperial grandsons for you. Now it seems that I don't need to choose anymore. I just need to nod and fulfill it." I was stunned and my heart shook. He repeated, "You have been in the palace for four years. I have been thinking about your marriage and have always wanted to choose a good husband from several imperial grandsons for you. Now it seems that I don't need to choose anymore. I just need to nod and fulfill it." I was stunned and my heart shook.

The Empress Dowager turned her gaze away and said to Wan'er, "Immediately cease the investigation into the Crown Prince's treason case, and release all of the Crown Prince's close aides, as well as the various princes and princesses, and attendants!" Wan'er hurriedly bowed in response and quickly exited.

The emperor remained silent for a moment before saying, "Get up, I no longer have the strength to punish anyone." I stood up in the hall, dare not to raise my head, and heard the emperor asking Wan'er, "What does the crown prince say?" Wan'er hurriedly replied, "The crown prince refuses to admit guilt."

In the night, a large torch burned in front of the prison cell, as if to dispel all the chill. A dozen guards with swords stood solemnly to one side. Lai Junchen stood with his arms crossed, his gaze dark and sweeping over himself before looking at Miss Shangguan, saying: "How did Miss Shangguan come here? This place might frighten you and the princess."

Upon entering the Hall of Eternal Life, it was already warm and filled with people

From childhood to adulthood, these two words have been called by countless people. Only at this moment, I don't know how to respond. I take a deep breath, as if bewitched, and reach out to tightly hold his hand, whispering, "You left so quickly, without suffering."

The heart of an emperor is unfathomable; even the slightest hint can stir up a great commotion in the court. Regarding this sacrificial ceremony, my uncle Wu Chengsi, after being dismissed from his position as prime minister, has shaken off the gloom and is now joyfully conversing and laughing with the other ministers.

A slight ache swelled in my heart as I lowered my head, all the laughter and joy seemed to be separated by a layer of mist, becoming indistinct.

Due to the distance, I could not hear a single word clearly, and I could only nervously fix my gaze on the Emperor's expression... This is the only opportunity; if the Empress Dowager is willing to trust him, the Prince of Yongping will be able to survive, but if the Empress Dowager does not believe him...

I was just thinking when I saw a white figure coming down the stone steps. I was about to avoid it when I realized it was Wan'er.

We stood facing each other, he tightly grasping my wrist, and I firmly held onto his hand.

Shen Qiu nodded and said, "If one can awaken at the hour of the tiger tomorrow, one can live."

I was busy saying, "I don't know where I threw it earlier," while speaking to Yiping, and added, "Just be casual about it."

When we returned to the palace, Yiping wanted to ask me something several times, but upon seeing my expression had calmed down, she refrained from doing so

The Emperor paused for a moment and said: "I shall wait here for him to awaken."

Wan'er glanced at me and, seeing that I was presentable, let out a light sigh. She then took me to meet the Crown Prince along with Liu Junchen. Inside the Crown Prince's stone chamber, Wan'er briefly exchanged a few words before taking her leave with me. In truth, she understood better than anyone that the Emperor had sent her to inquire merely as a gesture of maternal concern.

I was being pulled along by her, and upon hearing these words, my mind became chaotic. I then grabbed her and started walking out, my steps growing faster: "Why does the Empress Dowager believe? Why does she always trust what others say and not believe her own son!"

She lowered her head and remained silent for a moment before saying, "I would like to ask the princess for a favor." I understood her and replied, "I know what it is, you need not say more. Tonight, I will go to Wan'er’s room to ask for a cup of tea." She hurriedly tried to kneel down to express her gratitude, but I reached out to pull her up and said, "Alright, quickly tidy up a bit."

She smiled subtly and poured tea for me

The betrothal, the promise he made on the snow-capped mountains, the memories he made me forget in the heavenly prison, have unexpectedly arrived in such a manner. Everywhere, there are sounds of congratulations, and the Empress Dowager smiles as she looks at us, saying: "Everyone, please rise." Li Longji stood up and helped me to my feet, his eyes sparkling with joy, while I merely gazed at him, without any reaction.

Inside the Changsheng Hall, it is warm like spring, yet I still feel the chill of the dungeon enveloping me, cold to the bone

Li Longji rose and respectfully knelt before the Emperor. The Emperor looked at him and said: "I entrust this nephew to you. When you turn fourteen, you shall marry immediately." After the Emperor finished speaking, he looked back at me and said: "Why don't you go and bow to your Imperial Grandmother together with Longji?"

The Emperor furrowed his brows and said: "I want him to live"

However, even so, there were eunuchs in the palace who managed the inner court and had private meetings with the Crown Prince. After this matter was reported to the Grand Princess by Wei Tuan'er, those two individuals were immediately executed in public by being cut in half. The Grand Princess directly issued an edict in the hall, stating that the Crown Prince and his descendants were not to meet with officials below the rank of duke. From that point on, everyone felt insecure and dared not take any further actions

I was in a daze when Wan'er began to recite the memorial from Di Renjie. The gist of it was that Pengze, where Di Renjie was located, was experiencing severe drought with no rain, leading to a failure in farming and the people having no food to eat. Therefore, he requested the court to issue relief aid, exempt taxes, and save the people from famine.

After a while, he finally released his hand and gestured for me to leave. I sat there in a daze, gazing deeply at his brows and eyes, without moving. Wan'er suddenly spoke, saying: "Thank you, Prince, Wan'er will certainly report everything as it was said to the Emperor without missing a word." After she finished speaking, she paused for a moment and added, "Take care, Prince, Wan'er takes her leave now"

This night felt exceedingly long; apart from Shen Qiu, who continuously changed his dressings and administered acupuncture, no one dared to move even a fraction, all waiting silently alongside the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager also did not utter another word, merely gazing at the person on the bed, lost in thought, with an expression difficult to decipher

Wan'er tightened her grip on my hand and said, "Yes, it is with Lai Junchen. Two days ago, your uncle and Wei Tuan'er were singing in harmony, saying that although the Crown Prince does not openly mention the two consorts, he has secretly harbored resentment and is covertly plotting to usurp the throne. A month ago, the Crown Prince's private meeting with the palace eunuchs had already aroused the Emperor's suspicion, and now with the two of them saying this, she naturally feels apprehensive."

He reached out to fasten my robe and whispered, "Find an opportunity to leave the side of the Empress Dowager." I nodded slightly, feeling his cold hand brush against my jaw, pausing for a moment before it caressed my cheek, and then he continued, "Do not have any further relations with the Li family." I nodded vigorously, but could no longer suppress the bitterness in my nose, and my vision blurred into a haze.

The Emperor seemed extremely fatigued, merely giving a few hasty instructions before leading us away from the Imperial Medical Bureau. Upon entering the Hall of Longevity, Wei Tuan'er still greeted us with a smile, assisting the Emperor in changing his attire. Only when the Emperor leaned back on the couch did he cast a glance at her: "You may leave now, let Wei An accompany me." Wei Tuan'er was taken aback for a moment and quickly bowed to withdraw.

I stared at her in a daze, and when I finally came to my senses, a sharp pain seized my heart, a piercing agony that spread throughout my entire body

It was not until the singing and dancing began that the Empress Dowager ceased to observe him

The Empress Dowager and Wei Tuan'er were speaking softly to each other. Upon seeing me approach to pay my respects, they smiled and said, "Please, go and take a seat." I stood up and walked past the prince and the various heirs' tables, never daring to raise my head to look at them. In a hurry, I reached the only empty table and sat down, only to realize that the palace maid attending to me was actually an old acquaintance from in front of Fengyang Gate.

After completing these tasks, the person beside him hurriedly brought water for him to cleanse his hands. He quickly washed and dried them, then picked up the silver needle to continue with a few more acupuncture points. After quietly instructing the person behind him to prepare the medicinal ointment for the wounds, he finally let out a sigh, turned around, and bowed, saying: "The internal organs have been repositioned; everything will depend on tomorrow morning."

I tightened my grip on her hand even more, taking a deep breath before getting down from the carriage with her

The Emperor seemed to have noticed my unusual behavior and said with a smile, "This is a gift from Longji, who mentioned that the spring days are dry and was concerned you might have internal heat." I was taken aback for a moment and quickly smiled at Li Longji, saying, "Thank you, Prince of Linzi." Li Longji slightly curved his beautiful eyes and replied, "I am worried that you might develop something unusual on your face again, which would frighten the Empress Dowager."

Li Chengyi was beside him, and it seemed he noticed me looking in that direction. He raised his eyes to look at me and lightly nudged him with his shoulder. Only then did he turn his head, briefly glanced at me without any pause, and then lowered his head to say something to Li Chengyi

Do not fear the awakening of thoughts, only dread the delay of realization; having already held hands, let us not waste this life.

I raised my cup and casually glanced at the crowd. When I reached the side of the Crown Prince, I paused slightly. Li Chengqi was still smiling faintly, appearing somewhat frail due to his recent recovery from a serious illness. The Empress Dowager seemed to be very concerned about him, continuously inquiring about his medication and medical advice. He responded to each question with utmost respect, showing no signs of flaw or impropriety.

The Emperor stood still for a moment before turning around and murmuring, "My own son, yet I must have others cut open their hearts to prove his innocence." She glanced over the people present, pausing slightly at my location, prompting me to hurriedly lower my eyes

Tai Ping nodded and said, "In recent days, many people have fallen ill, and Chong Jian is also suffering from a high fever that won't subside, so he cannot accompany me to Luoyang." Upon hearing her mention that her younger son was also unwell, I hurriedly asked, "Is the Duke of Ying also ill? Is it serious?" Tai Ping chuckled and replied, "It's not serious; he is just like you, falling ill every winter, and I have grown accustomed to it. However, Cheng Qi, although he is somewhat frail, has never been seriously ill, which is concerning."

"Prince, please do not stare at the princess like that," Wan'er suddenly smiled and said, "After all, a young lady can feel embarrassed. Just look, the princess hasn't even regained her composure yet." After she finished speaking, she took a few steps forward to support me, tightly gripping my arm and leading me back to the table.

Li Longji was about to speak, but was abruptly pulled out of the palace gate by Li Chengyi. Yiping had already taken all the palace maids away, leaving the empty hall with just him and me, so close together. I looked into the darkness of his eyes, and yesterday's words kept echoing in my ears, a chaotic buzz, and I instinctively forced a smile at him.

After a while, he finally smiled faintly and said to me, "Come here." The smile spread from his lips to his eyes, ultimately tugging at the pain in my heart. I took two steps forward, crouched down, and held his hand, staring at the deep red and deep purple wounds. After much effort, I managed to say, "Has Lai Junchen tortured you?" He grasped my hand in return and said, "Sit beside me."

Since he was placed under house arrest, the daily anxiety of not being able to see her has left a deep impression on me, and naturally, I empathize with his feelings for her

I have no idea what to say to him. Between us, apart from the promise of marriage, nothing has ever happened. I am fully aware that there is no room for maneuver, and I know this is our last meeting, yet I have no words to share.

I was drawn in by her words, my numbness gradually fading, the pain rendering me speechless. After a while, I finally said: "The marriage has already been granted, but the wedding can only take place four years later." Yiping was completely stunned, staring at me for quite some time before she softly asked: "Who did the Emperor grant it to?"

Everything happened so quickly that I stood there in a daze, unable to believe that it could end like this. The sudden imprisonment and the unexpected turn of events were all the result of my grandmother's decision in a moment of thought. In the ecstasy of having survived a calamity, my palms remained cold, and my mind was filled with his gentle smile in the dungeon and his words

As I was greeting Wan'er, the Emperor fixed his gaze upon me and said to Wan'er, "When did Wan'er dare to defy my decree? Did I ever instruct you to take Yong'an tonight?" Without waiting for Wan'er to respond, I immediately knelt down and said, "It was Yong'an who requested Wan'er. I implore Your Imperial Grandmother not to make things difficult for Wan'er; let all the punishment fall solely upon me, Yong'an."

Lai Junchen smiled and bowed, saying, "This is natural. Miss, please rest assured. No one here has the courage to listen."

Awake! I looked at the person on the bed and exchanged a joyful glance with Wan'er.

Wan'er looked at him coldly and said in a solemn voice: "The Emperor has sent me to see His Highness and the various princes. Since you know that the two of us are not suitable to stay here for long, please lead the way quickly."

I held back the tears in my eyes, nodded slightly, and sat beside him

I was startled and stood up, but she pressed down on my shoulder and smiled, "Don't be anxious, let Yiping fetch a thicker garment." After she finished speaking, she called Yiping in from outside and personally instructed her on the attire. I looked into the bronze mirror as Yiping compared each piece of jewelry, and just as I was about to suggest she be more casual, Wan'er spoke up first: "I remember you have a jade hairpin with a curved design; why haven't I seen you wear it for such a long time?"

Only when we followed him through the wooden door did we realize that what he said was true

As I stepped out of the Hall of Eternal Life, the warm sun enveloped the entire front of the hall

Forgive me.

Wan'er also called out to me, saying: "Princess, why are you not quick to express your gratitude? The Grand Duke has not yet granted a marriage, yet the Emperor has already arranged a marriage for the Third Prince, which is indeed a tremendous favor." I stood frozen, and finally took two steps back to kneel beside Li Longji, mustering all my strength to tremble as I bowed my head to the ground: "Thank you, Imperial Grandmother." As soon as the words left my mouth, I lost all my strength, and could only sit up straight, staring fixedly at my Imperial Grandmother.

After a considerable amount of time, he finally said, "Tell me, what do you know?" I continued to smile and replied, "What does the prince mean? Yong'an does not quite understand." He took a step closer, trying to get nearer to me, and I hurriedly stepped back a step.

Unexpectedly, she turned around sharply after taking only ten steps, walked back in front of me, stared at me for a long time, and then sighed deeply: "Come with me, I don't want you to miss seeing him for the last time"

After the Emperor finished speaking, Wan'er immediately withdrew, instructing the accompanying palace maids to make preparations. When she returned, she cast a casual glance at me and smiled faintly. I also looked at her, managing a forced smile, before quickly turning my attention back to the person on the bed. At a time when everything seemed to have reached a deadlock, the appearance of this individual was indeed fate. As long as he could awaken, there would surely be a chance to turn the tide in the Crown Prince's case

My heart suddenly tightened, and even my grandmother was taken aback for a moment, saying: "What has happened?"